A Bit o' the Green

Hello Dear Friends! 

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day 

and Spring, 

I've brought out a bit o' the green! 

I've always loved the color green and what better time 

to enjoy it than now.

It just reminds me of lovely green grass and leafy trees

and all things spring.

So come inside and I'll put on the kettle

and show you around the kitchen. 

My kitchen already has the basics with a green door, chairs

 (that need a new coat of paint), 

and my little rolling cart that holds my bowls and picnic basket. 

I'm so looking forward to having picnics again!

So nice to bake something yummy, make some sandwiches

with a carafe of something good to drink,

and bring it down to my picnic table

for a little break during the day. 

The grand-boys love picnics, although they only eat dessert :)

But right now, the weather is cold and wet, so that dream will have to wait.  

I've already outfitted the daybed in mossy greens. 

But I added some green checks to liven it up. 

A cozy place to sneak in a bit o' readin'.

xx

You might remember that I love memoirs, especially if 

they involve faraway places where I can pretend to live:)

This one just seems so appropriate right now!

The Mr. and I had Irish grandparents. 

 Or, how about this one?

Full of Irish sayings, and strange little stories.

 xx

 

I've had the green jar since I was a newlywed. 

Such a simple little thing, 

but for some reason I've brought it along 

 everywhere I've lived. 

It started out in New England and now, 

over 3000 miles away, and 50 years later, it still makes me smile.

I keep things like marbles or sea-glass in it, 

but it looks pretty, empty by the window, too.

This old hutch has stayed with me for many years, too.

 

It came from a tiny cottage we rented in Oregon

when we first moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1977.

The landlord was going to throw it away!

I was in need of something to store dishes in, 

so, it became mine. 

I did the painting and sewed the curtains and it's 

weathered the wear and tear of a busy family and many 

sets of dishes over the years. 

It still holds my everyday dishes and glassware and miscellaneous

baking pans and serving dishes.

 

It's like part of the family now. 

xx

My Irish Angel. 

My Kitchen Queen Hoosier cabinet is also part of the family. 

I found it in the early 80's to put in the antique shop

my mom and I had, as a display piece. 

 The shop was in the attic of a blue Victorian house. 

The owner had her shop downstairs, called 'Country Pleasures'. 

Our shop was called 'Under the Eaves'. 

When we closed the shop, it went home with my mother. 

She painted it mauve :)

When she remodeled her kitchen, she gave it to me and I 

repainted it this creamy white. Behind the drawers, I can see the original 

paint from the 1930's. 

It's a mossy green. 

What do you think? 

Should I repaint it?

The cream color does show off my dishes nicely, though. 

I have a few shamrock teacups that go well with my 

green depression glass. 

The sweet honeypot and little green teapot 

were gifts from my dear sis-in-law. 

xx

I just crocheted the shamrock garland. 

If you like to crochet, this little book has the sweetest 

crochet edgings. 

I used the same pattern to crochet the shamrocks in the door wreath. 

I just used a different yarn. 

I wrapped the garland around an existing wreath of white flowers.

 Shamrock cookie cutters. 

I have a thing for cookie cutters :)

I may or may not get around to baking with them this year. 

xx

I also love vintage potholders. 

They are perfect to put under a pretty bowl, pitcher or teapot. 

 

xoxo

My 'Easy Bake Oven' has a little touch of green, too. 

Vintage refrigerator dishes hold food thermometers,

egg timers, and other small helpers. 

My spice drawers hold cloves, cinnamon sticks, bay leaf, toothpicks, etc.

Some even have tiny treasures I stashed inside, 

like stray monopoly game pieces and Tetley tea figurines. 

Does anyone remember those? 

Green tea towels, of course. 

I have to be very creative with storage in my small kitchen. 

The 'Himself' and 'Herself' mugs 

were gifts from a dear one. 

xx

And of course, green plant pots! 

This is a north-facing window, so not too many plants 

like it here. 

The African violets won't bloom, so I need to find 

some more philodendrons, which seems to be very happy.

The green salt and pepper shakers were a gift from 

daughter, Heather. 

The lace trimmed vase was from daughter, Jennie. 

Love having sweet reminders of those I love. 

Speaking of those I love... 

It's a good thing that I love you, 

because you can be very naughty sometimes:)

The picnic table that waits for me :)

Signs of spring :)

Deer Baby

Then we woke up to this...

So, while we wait for the thaw, come back inside 

and we'll have something to keep us warm. 

Broccoli Cheese Soup

and Irish Brown Bread hot out of the oven. 

I added a couple of handfuls of golden raisins 

to the bread batter this time and it came out so 

delicious! 

It makes great toast in the morning, too. 

xx

May God give you...

For every storm, a rainbow

For every tear, a smile

For every care, a promise

And a blessing in each trial. 

For every problem life sends,

A faithful friend to share,

For every sigh, a sweet song

And an answer for each prayer

Happy St. Patrick's Day, 

dear friends, 

and Happy Spring! 

xx

 

 

 

Ticket to Paradise, continued

Hello, Dear Friends. 

As we try to make sense of this senseless world, 

I invite you to forget your worries 

for a moment and come along with me 

as we explore the big island of Hawaii. 

We left my daughter, Jennie and husband, Steve's home

early one morning to drop off my little grandson, Jack 

 at school. 

We then stopped at a charming coffee shop to get a jolt of energy

and a bagel, as we sat on the wooden porch

visiting with their dear friends, Renee and Dave. 

It was a chilly morning, and the trade winds were blowing, 

making me grateful that I brought along a warm jacket.

After a lovely visit, we were on our way

to take a drive through the highlands.  

The view as we ascended. 

You can see the remains of an extinct volcano surrounded by 

black lava fields with golden grass. 

The landscape reminded me of an African Savannah! 

Not that I've actually seen one, but I have seen 'Out of Africa' a few times :) 

(One of my favorites)

As we climbed in elevation, we started to see greener fields. 

Soon we were in a completely different environment with green grass and large trees,

including evergreens. 

Looking out over the valley we just left, higher mountains rise beyond. 

Turquoise waters shimmer below. 

A zoomed in view of the coastline. 

As we traveled along, we could see green pastures. 

Some were full of cattle and horses! 

I couldn't get a photo, so you'll have to take my word for it :) 

Steve told us that wild burros, turkeys and pigs live here, too! 

Soon, we found ourselves in lush rainforest. 

The road became narrow and winding. 

A light rain started to fall. 

And then the road ended here! 

I was hesitant to leave the vehicle, as I suffer from vertigo, 

but I bravely braced the wind and took a few photos as my tummy did flip-flops! 

But what a view!!!

This is called Pololu Valley Lookout

You can actually hike down to the beach! 

Uh, no thankyou..., although Jennie and Steve actually did at one time, and they 

took Jack and Lovey (their little dog), too. 

Jennie said it was very strenuous and steep, and

they ended up carrying Jack and the dog partway up!  

I was perfectly content to gaze from afar! 

Here we are. 

Note to self - bring a scarf! :)

Or at least a headband. 

Notice our similar jackets. 

Throughout the trip we inadvertently seemed to match. 

Afterwards we stopped at a tiny town on the way down 

and did a little shopping and had a coffee and a snack. 

As we sat to enjoy it, we had a couple of beautiful visitors. 

A red-crested cardinal and a gorgeous rooster. 

I have no idea what type of rooster he is - do you know? 

xx

I found this tiny painting in one of the shops

as a sweet memento. 

I also found this bookmark made of Koa Wood.

 

I'll be using it to read this famous novel that takes place in Hawaii. 

I've had it in my library for years, waiting for the perfect time 

to read it!

The book is the debut novel of American author, James Jones, published 

in 1951. It won the National Book Award and named one of the 

100 best novels of the 20th century. 

I have no idea where I found this book (probably a book fair, years ago), 

and it is a first edition. 

It was made into a 1953 movie starring Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift,

and Frank Sinatra. It won 8 Academy Awards and depicts the lives

of three U.S. soldiers based in Hawaii in the months leading up to

the attack on Pearl Harbor. 

Deborah Kerr and Donna Reed portray the women in their lives. 

I've never seen the movie, but I will be searching the classic movie 

channel regularly to see it. 

I researched books written in Hawaii, and this was at the top of the list. 

I was so excited to realize I already had it in my library!  

I put all of my 'treasures' together when I got home. 

Corals, limpet shell and a pretty bracelet that I gifted to a loved one. 

Stones and a shell with holes for threading on cord to make necklaces :)

Koa wood bowl. 

A heart rock I gave to the Mr. <3

Tiny shells and a tray of Koa wood. 

A 'Hag Stone'. 

Legend has it that if you gaze through the hole of a Hag Stone, 

you are able to see fairies and elves. 

This will be going into my greenhouse :)

I saw this large one near some people on the beach, 

but I only brought a carry-on for luggage! Haha! 

This would be great in the garden. 

It would certainly make a strange conversation piece and raise a few eyebrows

at the same time! :)

Wouldn't that be fun!?

On the way home we passed by this general store near the beach. 

Next time I visit, I hope to stop and see what's inside! 

A pretty view. 

Beautiful home on the water. 

Fancy gate. 

A little cottage by the shore. 

I could live here. 

xx

The view. 

The next day we took a 'girl's day' to do a little 

shopping and have lunch. 

These are some of the flowers at the outdoor shopping mall. 

There was a pretty koi and goldfish pond there, too. 

Lemonade stand sculpture :) 

We took a 'selfie' :)

xx

We stopped by the market to get some fresh fruit to take home.

When we were done shopping, we had lunch at the beach.

The view from our seats. 

It was a popular place! 

 

Tropical thirst quenchers. 

xx

We had a delicious lunch. 

Every meal I had in Hawaii was amazing. 

People enjoying the water. 

The beach. 

Love <3

The next day we took a beach day with Jack. 

This boat was parked here all day. 

There was an interesting arch at the end of the beach. 

I wonder if when you gaze through here you can see mermaids! :)

On our last night, we had a lovely meal 

at the Four Seasons Resort, right on the beach. 

Heather and Steve enjoying their wine. 

xx

We all took turns posing by this tree on the beach.

I was all smiles here, but my heart was melancholy knowing 

this was my last night here. 

I sure am missing my dear loved ones 

in this faraway Isle. 

But I have sweet memories to tide me over 

until next we meet. 

xoxo

A Hui Hou

Dear Friends! 

Until we meet again! 

xoxo